Principal Associate - Students & Grads Tech Alumni Initiatives Lead

We are seeking an exceptional, strategic leader to take on the role of Alumni Initiatives Work Lead for Students & Grads Tech. The Students & Grads Tech team builds Capital One’s pipeline of top junior talent by delivering a program that communicates our technology innovation and impact while developing outstanding associates at the start of their careers. In this role, you will serve as an Individual Contributor (IC) driving the overarching framework and engagement strategy for the S&G Tech Alumni portfolio, providing high-level direction across all work streams and unifying our alumni initiatives into a cohesive, impactful post-program ecosystem.

As the Work Lead for our specialized alumni pod, you have a unique opportunity to pioneer the future of associate engagement  are looking for an ambitious self-starter who thrives in ambiguity, embraces autonomy, and is energized by the opportunity to lead the charge on brand-new initiatives. You will serve as the primary operational leader driving task prioritization, project delivery, and cross-functional alignment, while guiding the strategic work of a dedicated IC execution team.

The ideal candidate possesses a mix of strategic vision, operational excellence, and entrepreneurial drive to shape an unprecedented alumni experience.

• Impact. You will drive the strategy that empowers our tech alumni, building a seamless post-program ecosystem and strengthening a community of over 3,100 associates.
• Challenge. You will have full operational autonomy to shape strategy, lead high-priority efforts, and streamline execution across multiple cross-functional work streams.
• Great work environment. You can enjoy a fast-paced and fun work environment where innovation is rewarded and where you can learn from talented coworkers.

• Alumni Strategy & Oversight:
  Drive the overarching framework and engagement strategy for the S&G Tech Alumni portfolio, acting as a self-starter to pioneer new initiatives in a dynamic, evolving space while providing high-level direction across all work streams.
• Execution Partnership & Guidance:
  Oversee the strategic work of the Alumni IC team—guiding daily task prioritization, project delivery, and operational workflows to ensure alignment as they drive day-to-day delivery.
• Global Expansion Strategy:
  Direct the alumni strategy for Mexico City to establish a seamless post-program ecosystem ahead of the first TDP-MX cohort graduation in February 2027.
• Ecosystem Liaison:
  Work closely with program teams across S&G to build cross-functional support models and serve as the central subject matter expert for alumni engagement.
• Operational Leadership & Escalations:
  Host weekly alumni standups for joint problem-solving, act as the immediate point of contact for operational decisions and escalations, and participate in bi-weekly cross-pod syncs to maintain portfolio alignment.

• Bachelor’s degree
• At least 2 years of experience working in program or project management or at least 2 years of working in employee development or engagement or a combination of both

• 3+ years of experience in program management, human resources, recruiting, or consulting.
• Experience working at a technology company
• Experience with project management
• Proficient knowledge of G Suites including Google Slides and Google Sheets
• Proven track record of leading cross-functional strategic initiatives and driving operational delivery
• Ability to interpret metrics and translate insights into overarching portfolio strategy
• High degree of professionalism and integrity when interacting with all customer contacts
• Strong empathetic communication skills with varying levels of leaders and associates

At this…